Pets

A lot of people had pets growing up and may even still have a few. If you have a dog or want one, here is some information that will be helpful to you. This article will help you fully prepare to take care of a dog.

Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. Your dog’s mouth is fairly dirty at any given time. Keep in mind that dogs drink from toilet bowls and eat whatever is on the ground. Many people believe that dogs’ mouths do not have as much germs as humans’ mouths. However, this simply is not the case.

Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. While those sloppy kisses may be cute, be aware that your dog’s mouth is apt to be crawling with germs and bacteria. Dogs are always getting into garbage, drink from places like the toilet, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. It’s an old wives tale that your dog’s mouth happens to be cleaner that a human being. This is absolutely a myth!

Always neuter or spay your pet. Your pet stands to enjoy a significantly better (and longer) life. It’s been verified through research that this simple procedure reduces cancer risks and provides other benefits, too. Besides, a neutered dog will be less likely to run away or to get in fights with other animals.

If you have medication for you or a family member, be certain your dog cannot reach it. Swallowing even one pill can end very badly, with a sick or dying dog. If your pet does manage to ingest some medicine, contact the vet right away.

TIP! If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can’t access it. If your dog ingests your medications, it could be fatal.

Your dog speaks to you, but it is through non-verbal cues. Your job is to learn to listen carefully so you understand the message. If your dog gets stressed when meeting a new dog or person, don’t force them to meet. This could end up in negative biting or fighting behavior. Pay attention to the posture of the dogs and let them take their time.

Never take your dog away from home without a leash, even if he is well-behaved. A wild animal may get his attention and cause him to run off, or he may have a bad situation with others and their dogs. It is your job to keep your dog safe, and to keep him from harming anyone else or causing anyone problems.

You should never give table scraps to your dog. This will make him want human food every time you have a meal. Your dog may develop digestive problems and become fat if you feed it table scraps. You can keep your dog healthy and avoid any temptation to feed it from the table by teaching it to spend dinnertime well away from your family.

TIP! Try not to give a dog table scraps. This can make your dog not want to eat his dog food, and it will promote begging.

It is important to use your lifestyle as a guide to what breed of furry friend you should get. For instance, if you like to go running, you’re not going to want a little dog that can’t keep up with you. However, if you’re someone who stays mainly at home then seek out a small dog that loves to be adorned with lots of love while lounging around the house. Avoid a mismatch if you want both of you to be happy.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s food portions. Many people look at the guidelines on the dog food bag; the problem with this is that some of the recommendations may be inaccurate and could cause your dog to gain weight. The vet will know what is best for your pet.

When you have to train a dog, your home and/or yard is the right place to do it. You should avoid training in heavily populated areas. They are going to become distracted, and the easiest commands can be tough.

TIP! Train your dog in your backyard or home, as these are safe, convenient areas. Don’t train in a park.

Brushing your pup daily can do much more than reduce shedding in your home. Brushing keeps the coat shiny and healthy. The brushing motion encourages distribution of the skin’s oil, leaving the coat healthy, soft and glossy.

Make sure that your dog’s nails are trimmed weekly. Once the nails start to curl under, they can cause your dog a great deal of pain. Buy some clippers from a pet store and cut them yourself. If you are worried about doing this, simply take him to a groomer – it doesn’t cost very much to get his nails trimmed.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s food portions. Though some folks feed whatever the package recommends, those guidelines are not always appropriate and can lead to overfeeding. Ask your vet for the proper amount based on your dog’s needs.

TIP! Talk to the veterinarian about the proper amount of food for your dog. Many people look at the guidelines on the dog food bag; the problem with this is that some of the recommendations may be inaccurate and could cause your dog to gain weight.

Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. Dogs need routine activity and play in order to stay happy and healthy. Regardless of the activities you choose, the dog and you will surely benefit a great deal. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.

Now that you’ve come to the end of this article, you know what it takes to take care of your dog. Follow this advice for a positive dog ownership experience. Just take your time and go over the article again if you have any questions.

If your dog needs to be outside during cold months, buy him a house or build him one. Particularly if his feet get wet, extended exposure to extreme temperatures causes stress and can lead to health complications. Protect your dog from wind and precipitation by giving him a shelter that has a dry floor and plenty of space.